Atas (Elegant) Scammer? Orchard Road’s Stylish Solicitor Under Police Scrutiny
You might not respond if an old man with torn clothes and a cigarette in his mouth asked for money in a back alley of a neighborhood; but what if it’s a well-dressed woman from Orchard Road?
Recently, a woman has been doing just that on Orchard Road, and the police have become involved.
In the heart of Singapore’s bustling Orchard Road, a 69-year-old woman, dressed impeccably and pulling a suitcase, has been seen asking for money.
Why?
She claims she doesn’t have enough for transport or a meal.
A reader informed Shin Min Daily News about this stylish solicitor. According to him, she can be spotted near Lucky Plaza every Sunday, either between 10 to 11 in the morning or 3 to 4 in the afternoon.
While Lucky Plaza is known for its bargains, this was an entirely different proposition.
The reader mentioned that she had been there since July. On 8 October, he decided to notify the authorities.
The Shin Min Daily News team had been surveying the area for a month but hadn’t seen the woman. However, on one particular Sunday morning at 10, they finally observed her in action.
Navigating through the crowd, she approached various individuals, asking for money. Yet, she wasn’t amassing a fortune; most of her collections consisted of coins and $2 notes.
As the reporters looked on, the police arrived.
They discreetly watched her for a bit before approaching her for questioning.
The police later confirmed that the 69-year-old woman was being investigated for potential violations of street fundraising regulations.
For those unaware, anyone fundraising in public places or going door-to-door without a permit could face a fine of up to $5000, up to two years in jail, or both.
And yes, the penalty remains the same, regardless of one’s attire.